This could be considered a grudge match to the recent soccer match played earlier in the day between the US and Japan, which the US lost.The US sent Ricketts to the mound while Japan sent Ueno.
Both quality pitchers in the respective countries capable of delivering “lot’s of heat” when needed.
Japan started strong seeing the first batter nail a double, followed by a sac-bunt by Okubo to send the Yamada to third.
The first inning for Japan was fast seeing them score two runs with the last batter get nailed with an inside pitch.
The first US batter (Moultrie) got on with a walk seeing Taylor hit to short having the ball sent to second putting Moultrie out. Taylor stole second giving Japan the tag for out number two.
Johnson hit to shallow center giving her first, seeing Cochran a hit to the pitcher and retiring the side. After one inning Japan were up 2-0. The second saw Japan get one run, two hits and none left on base.
Japan continued advancing the ball and showing how strong they are as a team in all departments, both on and off the field.
They scored three runs in the third to give them a 6-0 lead. The bottom of forth and fifth saw the US go scoreless, still down by six runs.
The top of the 7th had the US take one error (the first of the game) on an overthrow to first allowing a Hayashi to get on base, scoring one run to give them a 7-0 lead.
Last chance at bat for the US in the bottom of seven has the rain continuing to pound the diamond and soak the hopes of the US squad.
Final score saw Japan trounce the US 7-0 in front of a fair-size crowd, who were drenched by the time the game ended.
The star of the game had to be the pitcher of Japan Yukiko Ueno (#17) who threw heat after heat at all she faced. Greg Timm the Chair of the Canada Cup stated “he was pleased with the work of the volunteer’s that helped out and equally as pleased with the teams taking part.
Six teams were on the field as well he thanked Softball Canada their assistance.
He “thanked the players for an impressive display of talent during the games as well as the numerous umpires that dedicated this week to the success of the sport”.
Other venues used were Cloverdale Athletic Park and Sunnydale Park.
Next year’s event will be held
June 30 to July 8th which is a week prior to the 2012 Whitehorse Games. Based on this we should see some impressive teams attending this once again.
Plan on attending next year!!